How much of a risk is a uterine rupture?

On behalf of The Melvin Law Firm posted in Birth Injuries on Friday, August 21, 2015.

If you've had a Cesarean section in North Carolina and you're now going to give birth to another child, one thing that is a potential risk is a uterine rupture. This is when the scar from the c-section ruptures while you are in labor.

If this does happen, it's a big issue and doctors will instantly put you in surgery to repair the damage. There is a risk both to you and the child.

It is possible for a uterine rupture to happen even if you've never had a c-section before in your life. Some people are naturally more predisposed to this, and it is in this way a bit unpredictable. However, while this does happen, it's very, very uncommon, so your doctor will probably tell you that it's nothing you have to worry about.

In fact, it is even uncommon for people who have had c-sections to have a uterine rupture. If you have a low-transverse scar—which most people do—then only around five out of each 1,000 women who go into labor are at risk. This is just half of a percent. The vast majority of women never have any complications and can have multiple children after a c-section without ever noting any additional problems.

Though it's very uncommon, it's still good to know that this is a risk so that you can properly inform the medical team before you go into labor. If you do suffer from complications that should have been avoided, leading to a birth injury, you may be able to get compensation for pain and suffering, additional costs, the impact on your child's quality of life and more.

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